SUPREME COURT TO HEAR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASE
It is expected that the New Jersey Supreme Court will hear a case concerning whether an individual who stopped at a post office to mail some personal letters while in route to do a job would be covered under workers’ compensation.
The individual was hurt while exiting his car to mail letters. In dismissing the case, the Judge of Compensation found that even though this was the most minor deviation from the job, it is not within the individuals scope of employment.
For those of us who are on the road in order to complete our job, this decision may have an impact on what is covered.
For example, are you covered when you stop on the New Jersey Turnpike to go to the restroom? How about stopping for a cup of coffee? Such minor deviations are a part of everyday life and hopefully the Supreme Court will see it that way.
